A group of lawmakers considering how to support the equestrian industry in South Carolina suggests the state should allow legalized betting on horse racing.

Bills introduced in the House and Senate would limit betting to horse racing only through online apps where bettors would have to already have money deposited in their accounts.

Representative Russel Ott presented the proposal at a press conference, stressing that it would be regulated by the state and the profits would go to help the equine industry.

“We’re not talking about opening casinos. We’re not talking about different forms of bricks and mortar or bookmakers or even walking up to a cashier at a horse race and placing a bet,” he said. said the St. Matthews Democrat.

A commission would oversee up to three companies to run the app, giving 10% of their profits back to the state, Ott said.

Money earned on the app could create horse therapy programs for veterans, public horse trails and horse care programs for inmates or troubled teens, supporters said.

Any gambling proposal likely has a rocky road in South Carolina, which banned video gambling in 2000 after allowing it for several years and has made no effort to join other states in legalizing other games. sportsmen.